The only way is Brentwood – an area guide for millennials

The property scene

Located in Essex and conveniently on the London commuter belt, Brentwood is a suburban town with growing popularity and a shopping area.

Beyond this are residential developments surrounded by open countryside and woodland, meaning the great outdoors is literally on your doorstep.

The town offers a variety of property types fitting most budgets, from smaller apartments to seven-figure executive homes.

Currently, the average price for property here stands at around £530,000 – a rise of almost 3% over the last year, according to Zoopla estimates.

Interestingly, the majority of sales in Brentwood during the last year were flats, selling for an average of £280,000 – suitable for younger buyers with smaller budgets.

The lifestyle and leisure

In recent years, Brentwood has become known for its connection with reality TV series ‘The Only Way is Essex’ (or TOWIE), which first aired in 2010. Since then, there has been an introduction of several new boutiques and night clubs, making the high street more vibrant and welcoming.

In regards to shopping, Brentwood boasts a selection of clothing shops and a variety of cafes and restaurants. There is also a farmer’s market which is held every Friday and Saturday, selling fresh produce, clothes and other small items.

For a more extensive shopping experience, you can visit nearby Lakeside Shopping Centre, which offers over 250 shops and restaurants and a seven-screen cinema.

Leisure facilities are also plentiful here. Brentwood Centre offers two swimming pools, a gym, indoor sports including badminton, squash and table tennis courts, aerobics, football and an MMA centre. There is also a health and beauty clinic and licensed bar.

Outdoor facilities include the Brentwood Arena, which accommodates several special events and exhibitions, regular sports courses and community games.

Outdoor facilities include the Brentwood Arena, which accommodates several special events and exhibitions, regular sports courses and community games.

The transport

It’s no surprise that Brentwood is a well-connected town, with easy access to the M25 motorway and a fast train route into the capital.

In fact, commuters can get to Liverpool Street from Shenfield station in just under 30 minutes, while trains from Brentwood to Liverpool Street take about 35 minutes.

Additionally, the anticipated arrival of Crossrail has raised awareness of Brentwood and is set to boost its commuter cred even further.

The new rail link will give commuters direct access to central London, with journey times to Bond Street taking 50 minutes from Shenfield, the last stop on the line, and 45 minutes from Brentwood.

And with TfL Rail trains being introduced between Shenfield and Liverpool street in preparation for Crossrail, it’s predicted that the borough may eventually become incorporated as an outer region of the capital.

So, whether it’s the bubbling night life – have you tried the Sugar Hut nightclub owned by TOWIE star Mick Norcross? – the reasonable house prices, or the impressive transport links, Brentwood presents the perfect opportunity for millennial buyers to start their property journey.

At Balgores Property Group, we have many branches across Essex and Kent and can help you to find the property of your dreams. For more information on our services, why not get in touch with our Brentwood office today?

If you’re looking to sell before you buy, you can also see how much your home could be worth on the current market by requesting a free and instant online valuation.